Today is the birthday of one of my favorite vocalists, Roberta Flack. She is 72 today. She's a remarkable woman and a phenomenal singer.

She has a strong voice, but a mellow style. She won Grammys for both "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," as well as "Killing Me Softly."

"Killing Me Softly" has dark, haunting lyrics, that I was drawn to--even before I knew what the song was about. As an adult, they've drawn me in even further. It's listed on Rolling Stone's Greatest Songs of All Time list. I love this song...

Music is so amazing and, in the hands of a pure talent like Roberta Flack, it touches your soul like that rare perfume in the alabaster box touches your senses. She use to perform at Mr. Henry's, in Washington, on Capitol Hill and in Adams Morgan. The Capitol Hill location was around the corner from my job. Imagine walking in FREE to hear a Roberta Flack performing for the cost of a drink.What a gift! Thanks for invoking the memory.

My favorite song too. Back when Roberta hit the music scene, my uncle Jon Harris Jr. was a fashion designer and designed her gowns for the concerts she performed in. She also used to live in the same high rise in Manhattan as well as Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald and my uncle on West End Avenue right by the Lincoln Center.

When I was a teenager, I got a chance to see Roberta Flack in concert. I can remember being amazed at her ease and grace while playing her piano and singing. When she sang, you could feel every word. Happy Birthday Roberta Flack and thanks for sharing your gift.